TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

Following Cefn Ridout’s departure, Sheila Cranna took over editing Doctor Who Magazine, something she had to juggle with the several other titles she was in charge of at Marvel.

“DWM already had a distinguished history and a fine team when I joined them,” says Sheila, who today uses her married name, Sheila Harvey. “It was quite exciting to have more or less free rein to redesign the magazine with the hugely important input of Steve Cook. I’m a great believer in having the best team in place and then trying not to interfere too much and I hope I got the balance right.

“Steve was responsible for the look of the magazine, although I think I remember right that I was the one to suggest using Andrew Skilleter’s artwork for the poster and front cover of the redesigned Issue 107. It was bright, colourful and stood out as a new direction for the magazine. I thought it was important for its appeal to be as broad and eye-catching as possible, to stem the slow loss of readers and attract new ones. It remains one of my favourite covers, although Issue 127 still makes me smile!”

About Doctor Who Magazine

The biggest issue ever to celebrate 500 editions of DWM! Contents include: Interviews with Tom Baker, Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat; a message to readers from new companion Pearl Mackie; a letter from the Doctor; a 20-page celebratory comic strip, The Stockbridge Showdown by Scott Gray, drawn by a host of guest artists; an exclusive look at Mark Gatiss' 2001 pitch for Doctor Who; Peter Capaldi answers questions once put to William Hartnell; Fact of Fiction on The Day of the Doctor; competitions to win HUGE prizes; a bonus 116-page section looking back at the history of DWM, featuring every single cover and commentary from the editors; plus News, Reviews, Coming Soon, Wotcha... and LOTS of surprises!